Mr. & Mrs. Impossible!

Chapter 39

--- 39 ---

*Arianna Lancaster*

My mouth went suddenly very dry when the chauffeur closed the limo’s door behind me as I got in. I jumped; a bit startled by all of it. By the way Mr. Lancaster was watching me, smiling at me as if he was extremely pleased to see me. And then he greeted me; strangely warmly. “Good evening.”

I just smiled tightly unable to get any voice out of me. If there was only one thing I could really hear, it was Chase’s voice repeating over and over, ‘I knew my father killed her.’

“How are you?” he asked gently, trying to start a rather forceful conversation.

Incredibly uncomfortable! “Fine.” I whispered barely audibly with the terror that was slowly creeping up on me. ‘…my father was holding my mother’s limp body… her face pale white… eyes very dead…’

He smiled. “And how is…” he paused for so long I thought he wouldn’t ask but he did in a controlled voice. “How is Chase doing?” I couldn’t help but feel the parental desire in his voice and so I blurted with a smile.

“He’s great Mr. Lancaster.”

“I thought we were on casual terms.” he chuckled throatily. “I was hoping to hear you call me Dad.”

Suddenly I felt very cold. ‘…can you like someone who calls them your father and not be there when you need them...’

As if sensing my tension he continued smiling warmly. “I am pleased to see that you are doing well… to see you both happy.” He added silently and smiled and I could swear it was genuinely honest.  

I quickly looked away from his welcoming gaze. ‘…can you like someone who steals away the most precious thing from you and then pretend like nothing has happened…’

For a moment he just seemed to watch me as if he knew how startled and terrified I was, then he shifted in his place a bit. “George told me you both were shopping for Louisia and Paul’s engagement?” he started conversationally and I wished he’d just get over with whatever was there that he needed to talk to me about.

“Yes we were, Mr. Lancaster.” I answered shortly sticking to formalities and he noticed it too. As I felt him watching me intently I added hastily. “We’ll fly in two days for LA.”

“I heard that.” He nodded. “I am instructed by your grandfather to be there by tomorrow latest.” He chuckled and I clenched my fist so I wouldn’t jump out of the limo. He made me nervous with his smiles and chuckles and forceful conversations. “Great man, your grandfather.”

Say what there is to say and let me go! My mind shouted. Chase, rescue me! I’m scared.

“I hope you don’t mind if I borrow you for the rest of the evening?” even though he asked pleasantly I couldn’t help but feel the sense of command instead of request and I couldn’t do anything except to nod.

As if some hidden force was making me do it.

Maybe it was his piercing gaze…

Mr. Lancaster smiled at me shortly as I nodded and turned to the chauffeur who I didn’t notice was sitting in front. “Take us to the mansion, Millard.”

The air in my lungs fell short and I swallowed rather loudly, my eyes went wide horror struck. “No I—” I suddenly let out in a panicky high voice. He looked at me quickly. “I mean—” I controlled myself greatly as the limo moved forwards on the road swiftly. “What about Chase?” I controlled my trembling voice. “I mean isn’t he going to join us?”